Colorado Avalanche & NHL

Avalanche getting big boost from red-hot Jamie McGinn in Colorado

When P.A. Parenteau went down with a knee injury late last month, it created an opportunity for Jamie McGinn to get back in the good graces of Avalanche coach Patrick Roy.

Not that McGinn was in his doghouse, but Roy had been critical of McGinn's play. McGinn primarily was playing moderate minutes on the third line.

McGinn has made the most of his opportunity while helping keep the Avs in a good spot in the playoff picture as the second half of the season unfolds.

McGinn has four goals in his past five games, including one in Wednesday's victory over the Ottawa Senators.

"I feel good, but the most important thing is the team's winning," McGinn said. "We've been in most every game, so that's what I'm most happy about. But when the goals come, that's good too."

McGinn scored a bunch of goals when he came to the Avalanche near the NHL trade deadline in 2012, some on pretty, pinpoint shots. But his bread and butter is going to the net, being physical and cleaning up on rebounds.

McGinn has been more physical; his 84 hits are tied for fourth among the Avalanche. His shooting percentage of .137 (10 goals on 73 shots) also ranks fourth on the team.

"I just need to try to get better every day to continue doing this," he said.

N.Y. ISLANDERS AT COLORADO

7 p.m. Friday, ALT; 950 AM

Spotlight on John Tavares: Drafted first overall by the Islanders in 2009, two spots ahead of Matt Duchene, Tavares has matured into a bona fide star. He was named to the Canadian Olympic team, and entered Thursday tied for second in NHL scoring with 54 points. Tavares not only has size but first-rate skill. He struggled at times during his first couple of years in the league but not anymore.

NOTEBOOK

Avalanche: Semyon Varlamov will start in goal for the Avs, who will close out a seven-game homestand. The Avs are 4-1-1 so far. Varlamov will also start Saturday's game at Minnesota. ... Winger Alex Tanguay skated Thursday in an orange noncontact jersey. Coach Patrick Roy said Tanguay will try to push it harder next week, to see how well his injured hip responds. ... Ryan O'Reilly (shoulder) practiced as well, but Roy indicated it's unlikely the forward will play Friday. A final determination will be made after the morning skate. ... Matt Duchene has gone nine consecutive games without a goal, but Duchene has seven assists in that span. ... The Avs are tied for 19th in the league in faceoff winning percentage (.490).

Islanders: New York has won five straight on the road. ... Thomas Vanek has a career-best 10-game point streak (five goals, 10 assists). ... New York's 149 goals against are second-highest in the league. Adrian Dater, The Denver Post

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